In a major step to support families in the immediate aftermath of a death, the Dubai Health Authority has launched a new phase of its ‘Jabr’ system, delivering fast, compassionate and fully digitised bereavement services to ease emotional and administrative burdens.
As part of the ‘City Makers’ initiative, the system assigns a dedicated Government Service Officer to every case, who completes all procedures on behalf of the family, from death certification and burial arrangements to repatriation and estate registration, eliminating the need to visit multiple entities during a time of grief.
Powered by a unified digital platform, all relevant authorities are automatically notified as soon as a death is registered, enabling services to be delivered proactively. Death certificates are issued automatically, estate files are opened with Dubai Courts, and assets are inventoried without in-person visits.
Families also receive social and psychological support, including condolence tents for Emirati families, trained school counsellors for affected students, and optional religious guidance. Funeral services have been streamlined, with trained volunteers and upgraded cemetery facilities ensuring faster arrangements.
DHA said the transformation places people at the heart of government services, allowing families the space and time to focus on healing.
Comprehensive social, psychological and community support
The integrated Jabr system is built on five key pillars:
1. Humanity First
A dedicated Government Service Officer proactively manages all burial, repatriation and related requirements. Real-time notifications enable immediate service delivery without family applications.
2. Social Support
The Community Development Authority provides condolence tents with full hospitality for Emirati families for three days across more than 70 designated locations. Condolence initiatives for residents are delivered in coordination with eight public-benefit organisations and places of worship.
3. Psychological Support
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in coordination with the Dubai Academic Health Corporation, has trained 230 school counsellors to support students affected by bereavement. Religious counselling is also provided through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.
4. Digital Integration and Reduced Requirements
All entities operate through a unified smart system supported by a central decision-making dashboard. A unified payment point has also been introduced in collaboration with Digital Dubai.
5. Enhanced Funeral Services
More than 130 volunteers have been trained to wash and prepare the deceased for burial. Cemetery facilities have been upgraded in coordination with Dubai Municipality to streamline funeral services.
Quality of life at the core
Juma Al Blooshi, Consultant at the DHA’s Public Health Protection Department, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life by reducing psychological and financial pressures on families through digital services.
